THE PALI INTERPRETATION OF SAṄKHĀRA-DHAMMA FOR RESOLVING CONFLICTS

Abstract

The purposes of academic paper were: 1) to study and analyze the Pali interpretation of Saṅkhāra-dhamma (compounded things) and natural conditions that are controversial in themselves and society, and 2) to propose the Buddhist ways for resolving internal and social conflicts. The results were found that: The term of ‘Saṅkhāra’ is of the Saṃ prefix, meaning ‘together’ and the Kara root implying doing. Kara can be Khara, and the ṇ suffix can be put and changed as Khāra, finally being Saṅkhāra. Saṅkhāra, a term figuring prominently in Buddhism, means 'that which has been put together', that is, Pañca-khandha (five
aggregates: corporeality, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness). Since all of them work together, thus leading to a conflict, being called Saṅkhāradukkha. Eventually they lead to the conflicts between people and people, and the people and the society. The Buddha used Paññā (wisdom) to eliminate the conflicts by ways of taking Buddha-dhamma of Ovādapāṭimokha (the Principal Teaching).
Here, the 12 Buddhist ways for resolving internal and social conflicts can be mentioned. The internal conflicts can be solved by: 1) Sabbapāpassa akaraṇaṃ (not to do any evil), 2) Kusalassūpasampadā (to cultivate good), 3) Sacittapariyodapanaṃ (to purify the mind) and 4) Adhicitte ca (to devote oneself to higher concentration). Last, the social conflicts can be resolved by: 1) Khantī (patience), 2) Tītikkhā (forbearance), 3) Paraṃ viheṭhayanto(not to do harm others), 4) Anūpavādo(not to  revile), 5) Anūpaghāto (not to do any harm), 6) Saṃvaro(restraint), 7) Mattaññutā ca Bhattassamiṃ (to be moderate in taking food) and 8) Pantanca sayāsanaṃ (to dwell in a secluded place).